National Consumer Protection Week, February 4–10, 2007

Introduction/Overview

National Consumer Protection Week (NPCW) is a federal program, hosted by the Federal Trade Commission, to draw attention to issues and ideas that help customers become smarter consumers of products, materials, and ideas and to improve their knowledge to combat fraud of any type.

NCPW is fully supported by the Vice President and Consumer Advocate and the Chief Inspector of the Postal Inspection Service.

This is a priority project and program for Consumer Affairs Managers (CAMs). CAMs will be responsible for overall program planning, with assistance from Postal ServiceTM Inspectors. Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) staff will promote events and activities with local media.

National Consumer Protection Week 2007 Theme

"Read Up. Reach Out. Be an Informed Consumer."

The theme is intended to encourage consumers to empower themselves and find information they need to make wise purchase decisions, avoid scams, and reach out to their communities and inform them. The meaning behind the theme:

Read Up - Know your rights. Research issues. Know what you're getting into. Be an educated consumer. Information can be found in many ways.

Reach Out - Know who to contact, where to find resources, and where to file a complaint. Help educate family, friends, and civic groups about what you've learned.

What is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)?

The U.S. Postal Service® Consumer Advocate's Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are partnering to educate consumers about fraudulent schemes and to provide them with the tools and information needed to combat these frauds. During NCPW, other federal, state, and local consumer protection agencies - together with consumer organizations and industry associations - are launching consumer protection and education efforts around the country.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is the umbrella agency for the NCPW effort, and many state and local agencies also participate.

"Read Up. Reach Out. Be an Informed Consumer."

A fraudulent investment. Sending money to an illegal foreign lottery. An employment scheme. Identity theft. All common and frequent types of fraud. Being an informed consumer and then sharing the information learned with friends, family, and community is the best defense against the constantly evolving threat of fraud.

The Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are delivering that message to American families across the country together with an educational campaign on prevalent types of fraud being perpetrated in America today including the following:

• Free prize schemes.

• Foreign lotteries.

• Multilevel marketing.

• Identity fraud/Identity theft.

• Investment schemes.

• Internet fraud (including online auctions).

• Work-at-home scams.

• Counterfeit financial instrument fraud.

Talking Points

USPS

• USPS has been serving America since 1775.

• The Inspection Service has over 176 years of consumer protection experience.

• USPS is a trusted friend and partner in every American community.

• We are proud to serve as a vehicle to get out messages on consumer fraud.

• The focus of the USPS message this year is "Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer."

Why Should Consumers Be Alert to Fraud?

• Everyone is at risk:

• A child in an Internet chat room.

• A young person looking for work.

• A parent trying to stretch a tight budget.

• An older person dealing with the effects of aging.

• Even the strong are vulnerable - some of the largest scams in history have been committed against smart people who thought they had found a way to strike it rich.

• It's right to care for those who care about you.

• There really is strength in numbers.

• Sometimes just an objective comment from a trusted source can make the difference.

What Are the Typical Types of Fraud?

• Identify Theft - Fraudsters use your credit cards and other personal information for personal gain.

• Investment Schemes - Promise "no risk" and/or "high returns," if you act fast, but the offer is phony.

• Foreign Lotteries - Even legitimate foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S., so there's no way to win.

• Internet Fraud - The Internet provides a new way to conduct frauds of all kinds, for instance:

• Phishing schemes feature fake e-mails that solicit personal information (see identify theft).

• Pharming is an elaborate form of phishing, with fake Web sites again designed to "harvest" your personal information.

• Work-at-Home Fraud - Many varieties ask for money up front before the victim can start to earn. Money may go to buy supplies to build products at home or special mailing lists to support envelope stuffing business, but profits never materialize.

• Pyramid Scheme - In this scam, early victims of an investment-type scheme receive money from later victims, but before long there are not enough new victims and the scam ends with losses all around - except for the con artist, that is.

• Free Prize Schemes - A "small" payment is required before the "free" prize can be released. If the lucky winner does get a prize - many do not - it will be worth only a fraction of the payment.

What Are Some Common Defenses?

• It is never too early to learn the warning signs of fraud:

• Sounds too good to be true.

• Pressure to act right away.

• Guaranteed success.

• Promises unusually high returns.

• Requires upfront investment - even for a free prize.

• Doesn't act like a real business.

• Something doesn't feel right.

• And even if all looks right, it never hurts to do your homework and check the offer out with a local Better Business Bureau, state attorney's office, or local consumer groups.

• Even if the person or company has no track record of complaints, the scam may be familiar to watchdog consumer protection agencies.

• Don't hesitate to discuss the matter with friends and family.

• And don't forget to watch out for those you love - sometimes just a simple "What's new?" can prevent a loved one from being the victim of a scam.

How Does the Postal Service Help Prevent Mail Fraud Scams?

The Mail Fraud Statute is the oldest and most effective U.S. consumer protection statute, and Postal Inspectors have been using this statute to preserve the integrity of the U.S. Mail since the law was enacted in 1872. Inspection Service efforts have combined vigorous enforcement of the law with public education, consumer awareness, and crime prevention programs. Postal Inspectors work with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies - as well as a variety of bank and credit card issuers, financial institutions, retail merchants, credit bureaus, and other industry sources - to help prevent all types of mail fraud schemes and to educate consumers.

What Can Consumers Do To Protect Themselves From Becoming Fraud Victims?

Use common sense. Take your time when responding to offers. Investigate. Talk to family, friends, and local consumer protection experts. Educate yourself about fraud. Know who you are dealing with. And protect your personal information. Every year thousands of people and businesses are victimized by fraudulent schemes. In general, consumers should be skeptical of any offer that sounds "too good to be true."

Who Should Consumers Call if They Suspect Fraud?

• Postal Inspectors are responsible for enforcing the Mail Fraud Statute. A fraud complaint can be filed at the local Post OfficeTM, by calling 1-800-FRAUD IS (1-800-372-8347), or online at www.usps.com/postalinspectors.

• The Federal Trade Commission works for the consumer to prevent fraud and deception. Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or log on to www.ftc.gov.

• Locate your local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

• Locate a U.S. Attorney's office in your state: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/ (often the site of the local consumer protection office).

What Web Sites Offer Information and Resources on Fraud?

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service: www.usps.com/postalinspectors/.

• U.S. Postal Service Privacy Office: www.usps.com/privacyoffice/welcome.

• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/ or www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm (also offers brochures).

• National Consumers League: www.fraud.org.

• Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org/.

• FirstGov for Consumers: www.consumer.gov/.

• Federal Citizen Information Center:
www.consumeraction.gov/.

• Learn more about fraud at the National Consumer Protection Week 2007 Web site at:
www.consumer.gov/ncpw/.

Suggested Points To Include for Event Speeches at the Post Office

• Hello. Thank you for visiting the Post Office.

• We appreciate your business.

• It's National Consumer Protection Week. We invite you to learn about ways you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

• The people at the table can help you. We have materials you can take with you to share with your family and friends.

• Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer.

• Thank you for stopping by today.

Postmasters and Facility Managers

Postmasters and facility managers are encouraged to join this annual consumer awareness effort by sponsoring or supporting local activities during NCPW, February 4-10, 2007.

District Consumer Affairs Managers

The District Consumer Affairs manager (CAM) should serve as a consultant and resource for postmasters and managers planning NCPW activities.

Public Affairs and Communications

Field Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) staff will coordinate media outreach and press coverage of the week and planned events through media advisories, news releases, and calls to area reporters.

Suggested Activities

Listed below are suggested activities to highlight the week's event:

• Have an NCPW kick-off and open house.

• Show a Postal Inspection Service fraud prevention DVD. (Note: CAMs should contact their local Postal Inspector to request quantities of individual DVDs for handout at events.)

• Speak to a school group on precautions to take when visiting Internet Web pages. Reference 2 SMRT 4U: Type Smart, Post Wisely Web site at www.2smrt4u.com. Tools provided help teens protect themselves from online predators.

• Invite a local expert to speak. A local Postal Inspector would be perfect, but a representative from a consumer advocacy group or an appropriate regulatory body also would be good.

• Partner with other federal agencies, community groups, educational institutions, and businesses to sponsor educational workshops or seminars for consumers with special needs.

• Hold a joint press conference with another consumer agency and include a local Postal Inspector. The Postal Inspector can discuss fraud both from a national and a community perspective.

• Work with a local Postal Inspector to inform senior citizens about fraud schemes. Hold seminars at local retirement communities. Postal Inspectors can discuss recent fraudulent schemes and steps to prevent older Americans from becoming victims.

• Provide your postal employees with information about NCPW activities planned for your area.

• Set up a booth at a busy shopping area and distribute fraud prevention brochures and other consumer information. Show a fraud prevention video.

• Include information on the safety and security of Postal Service Money Orders. Use the eBay "Protect Against Money Order Fraud" fact sheet (see page 1).

• Let customers know that for the second year in a row, the U.S. Postal Service was rated number one among all federal agencies as the most trusted in protecting consumers' privacy. Use the Privacy Office fact sheet (see page 1).

• Refer customers to www.usps.com for additional information.

• Hand out consumer publications such as:

• Publication 162, Because The Mail Matters.

• Publication 280, Identity Theft, Safeguard your Personal Information.

• Publication 281, Consumer Fraud by Phone or Mail.

• Publication 300-A, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Guide To Preventing Mail Fraud.

• Publication 370, Extra Services.

• Publication 546, Sweepstakes Advertising, A Consumer's Guide.

(Note: You can check out the publications before you order at the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site. Go to http://blue.usps.gov/cpim and click on PUBs.

Publications also can be downloaded on the public Internet at www.usps.com. Click on About USPS & News, then under "Organization Information" click Forms & Publications, then click Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then click Publications.)

Event Planning Checklist

When planning National Consumer Protection Week events, keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Begin planning early.

• Contact your local postal team - Postal Inspectors, Public Affairs and Communications managers, Consumer Affairs and Claims managers, and Government Relations representatives - to see how they can help support and participate in the fraud prevention events in your city.

• Set a date.

• Secure participants.

• Acquire posters, videos, fact sheets, brochures, and other supplies for the event.

• Prepare a special pictorial postmark, if applicable.

• Secure staging and sound equipment, if applicable.

• Plan signage, including a podium, sign, and banners.

• Launch a local publicity campaign.

• Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and speaker remarks.

• Plan retail opportunities (i.e., booth, bag stuffers, etc.).

• Prepare ceremony programs and invitations.

Suggested Event Flow/Timed Agenda

Events should be held between 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. to increase chances of media coverage.

10 A.M. Guests arrive and are seated

10:05 to 10:10 A.M. Welcome and opening remarks
USPS representative

10:10 to 10:15 A.M. Remarks on local resources to
combat fraud
Partnering organization, BBB
representative

10:15 to 10:25 A.M. Keynote address/most important
statements
Highest ranking elected official or
consumer with a fraud story

10:25 to 10:30 A.M. Closing remarks/reminder to
collect handouts and information
USPS representative

National Consumer Protection Week Speech Segments

"Be an Informed Consumer" Speech

Good (morning/afternoon/evening).

I am pleased to be with you today to deliver an important consumer protection message.

For the U.S. Postal Service, customer service and consumer protection are year-round priorities.

We are very proud of the fact that Americans have placed their trust in the mail for well over 2 centuries.

In fact, for the past 2 years, Americans have voted the U.S. Postal Service the number one government agency for consumer trust and the protection of privacy.

We take our role in connecting every household and business in the nation through the mail very seriously.

Every business day, 7 million Americans visit their local Post Offices, while at the same time hundreds of thousands of letter carriers deliver the mail to every home and office in the United States.

All in all, more than 9 million jobs are tied directly to the mailing industry, an industry that contributes more than $900 billion dollars to the U.S. economy.

So when we talk about consumer protection, we understand that we also are talking about safeguarding the integrity of our national economic system.

As always, during National Consumer Protection Week, we have a lot of information to share about fraud.

How to recognize it. How to avoid it. And who to contact to help you investigate offers you may receive or to report offers that you believe are phony.

This year, we are asking everyone to take an additional step.

As you educate yourself about fraud, take a moment to think about your friends and family.

Are they protected, too?

The truth is that anyone at almost any age can be a victim of fraud. And every stage of life has its vulnerabilities.

When a grandparent or parent is swindled out of his or her savings, or a child falls for an employment scam, or worse - the entire family suffers.

But family members have strength, too.

Sometimes it is a son or daughter who is the family computer expert.

They know all about phishing schemes and computer viruses and they keep the family computer safe.

But they may be vulnerable in a chat room against more sophisticated personalities masquerading as something they are not.

And young adults just starting out may be prime targets for a job scam that a parent or grandparent would recognize in an instant.

Even the most educated consumer can be a tempting target when financial pressures mount.

And, of course, we are all susceptible to human weakness and the desire to hit it rich or make easy money fast.

That's when a little support from a friend or family member can go a long way.

So all of us need to be educated about fraud and to share that information with others.

What are some of the more common things to look out for? What are the warning signs of fraud?

• Promise of huge profits and big earnings.

• Promotional phrases like "No experience is necessary."

• Lack of a real place of business for the organization or it doesn't act like a real business.

• Offers requiring you to pay upfront for instructions or processing fees.

• Assurances of guaranteed returns.

• Payment with money orders or cashiers checks.

• Requests for personal information - even bank account and credit card numbers.

• Your sense that something just doesn't feel right.

In almost every case, if you exercise judgment and common sense, it is likely you'll find clues to help you avoid being a victim of fraud.

Consumers should also educate themselves to know how to recognize the most common scams.

Take home information today and read it.

Visit the Inspection Service and FTC Web sites.

You will find plenty of information on identify theft, investment fraud, work-at-home schemes, free prize scams, Internet fraud, and more.

There are many forms of fraud. And we can be sure that con artists will continue to evolve new ways to defraud the public.

But there is no reason that any of us should feel defenseless or become a victim.

So long as we look out for those we love, use our judgment, do our homework, and continue to educate ourselves.

There is no reason that we can't fight fraud and win.

Thank you.

# # #

Opening/Welcoming Remarks (1)

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

It's a pleasure for me to be with you today.

Since 1998, the first full week in February has been designated National Consumer Protection Week. It is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and industry associations join together across the country to put a spotlight on how consumers can protect their interests and avoid fraud.

The Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are pleased to be members of the National Steering Committee helping to lead the effort this year.

For the past 176 years, Postal Inspectors have been fighting fraud, protecting the mail, and working on behalf of the American people to promote the honesty and integrity of the American marketplace.

And in 1971, the Office of the Consumer Advocate was established within the Postal Service to ensure that the interest of the American consumer would be a guiding light in the development and delivery of mail service to the nation.

Today, all of us in the Postal Service take the opportunity of National Consumer Protection Week to thank all of our customers for your business - it is a pleasure to serve you.

And as Consumer Protection Week implies, we take this time to remind everyone that consumer fraud exists and that there are simple principles that all consumers can use to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer.

Alternative Event Opening Remarks (2)

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

It's a pleasure to be here today. I thank all of you for coming out.

The United States Postal Service is part of the fabric of America. We trace our roots to 1775 and Ben Franklin.

Throughout the history of our nation, the Postal Service has been a partner in the progress of the American people. And as our country has grown and been transformed over the years, so has the Postal Service.

Today, we carry 46 percent of the world's mail at some of the lowest prices in the world. We have 37,000 Post Offices in cities and towns, large and small. And every day, 6 days a week, postal carriers visit just about every home and business in the land to deliver the mail - over 213 billion pieces of mail last year.

And today, we are transforming our business to make it quick, easy, and convenient for customers to do business with us - over the Internet, over the phone, or over the counter in the Post Office.

However, the one thing that has never changed is our focus on service to our nation, to our communities, and to each and every customer.

It is because of this historic relationship that we have the honor to lead in a nationwide effort of great importance.

National Consumer Protection Week 2006 lasts only 7 days. However, we hope and believe that the basic message we deliver today can last a lifetime.

The Postal Service has been given the unique mission to bind the nation together through the correspondence, communications, and commerce that are delivered through the mail.

With the support of friends and family, common sense, consumer education, and the resources of the local community behind them, all Americans can protect themselves from fraud and benefit from the genuine opportunities that America has to offer.

Together, we can Read up. Reach out. Be informed consumers. And prevent fraud.

Alternative Event Opening Remarks (3)

This option includes introductions of other speakers

Good (morning/afternoon/evening):

Thank you for joining us.

It's a pleasure to be with you as the nation celebrates National Consumer Protection Week: "Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer."

We have a great message to deliver today, some important information to share, and some very special guests.

We are very lucky to have with us:

(The highest ranking official always speaks first or last. In the case of elected officials, especially Congressional members, they usually prefer to speak last.)

• (Name) ... (Title) ... (brief comment possibly) (e.g., Rob Roberts, legislative aid for Congressman John Smith, with a timely message of support).

• Ditto (Mayor Jones, who will speak about resources and support available to local citizens).

• Ditto (Name, of the National Consumer Protection League, sharing his/her insights on how consumers can combat fraud).

• And, ditto (from the Postal inspection Service we have Inspector Name, who will share his experience with us).

Also, we have a very interesting video on consumer fraud, which you can watch today, and information on other types of fraud. So make sure you have that information before you leave.

Our first speaker is ...

Introductions (example)

Introductions can be as short as name and title, or they can provide a brief bit of biographical data or other information. For example, if we had three speakers, the intros might go like this:

Postal person: Our first speaker is Mayor (Name), who has served (Town Name) for more than two decades, including as head of the school board, as member of the city council, and since 1999 as Mayor. Under his/her leadership, (Town Name) was recently recognized as one of America's most livable cities. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mayor (Name).

(Mayor speaks)

Postal person: Thank you, Mayor (Name). Next, we have a special guest who works day in and day out to protect consumers. (Name) is a life-long resident of (Town Name) and he/she is the associate director of regional consumer issues for the National Consumer League. Please join me in welcoming (Name) (applause).

(Associate director speaks)

Postal person: Thank you (First Name). Our final speaker today is a colleague of mine and a member of one the oldest and most respected law enforcement groups in the nation. A (x)-year veteran of the Postal Inspection Service, Inspector (Name) has some tips and stories from the front lines in the fight against fraud. Ladies and gentlemen, (Name).

Remarks for the Postal Service Representative (Alternative 1)

Although con artists can be very clever, and their con games can be very convincing, consumers are not - or at least, should not - be defenseless.

First, and foremost, we all need to use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something doesn't feel right, we probably should investigate more.

For example, why would anyone pay money to receive a free prize? Or how is it possible that someone could really believe an e-mail that says it is from a member of a foreign government who wants help to sneak millions of dollars out of his or her country?

And we must always be on guard for any request of personal information - whether it is a Social Security number, a personal identification number, or checking account information. You wouldn't give strangers the keys to your home - why give them the keys to your personal life?

But people do it.

So remember: if it smells fishy, you are probably the one on the wrong side of the pole. Don't bite.

Second, it is never a bad idea to do some homework, whether you are planning to invest money, make a purchase, or find a job. Read up! An informed customer is the best defense against fraud. Don't hesitate to call the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer group. The advice is free but it can save you real money and a lot of frustration.

Be an informed consumer. Take advantage of the free information that is available. Read the brochures we have here today. Go online. The information is there.

And finally, as an educated consumer, share your knowledge with family and friends. Reach out! In particular, watch out for those who may be most at risk. Stay in touch with grandparents, parents, and children and make sure they don't become victims either.

Remarks for the Postal Service Representative (Alternative 2)

Every year, thousands of consumers are victimized by fraud. My goal today is to tell about some of the leading types of fraud and to remind you of the many resources that are available to recognize and fight fraud of all types. I also want to urge you to use these resources to help protect your family and friends.

Our theme says it all. "Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer." Whether it is a young adult being victimized by a job scam, a husband or wife taken in by Internet fraud, or a friend who falls for a phony investment, consumers of all ages can suffer.

As the old saying goes, however, there is strength in numbers. And what better strength can we ask than the support and advice of those who have our highest trust and own best interests at heart?

In this day and age, with technology continually changing, the youngest may be the family Internet expert. While the oldest can share a lifetime of experience and learning.

Of course, we all need to keep learning at any age. And that's why we have worked so hard to make fraud prevention information available in brochures, videos, and online. Because when you know about common frauds and you know the warning signs, you are far less likely to fall for the scam.

Identity theft continues to be a major problem. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. With millions of victims and losses in the billions of dollars, it continues to be one of consumers' biggest fears.

The key is to protect your personal information. Never give out your Social Security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, credit card number, or bank personal identification number over the telephone unless you initiated the phone call.

The Internet has given fraud artists a new tool to commit ID theft and it allows them to perpetrate the crime from anywhere in the world. In this case, phony e-mails and look-a-like Web sites ask for your personal information. They may pretend to be your bank, credit card company, or even a government agency. Once again, the key is don't respond - investigate. Contact the bank or agency yourself, through a channel you know and trust. It is that simple.

Speaking of simple, there is only one thing you need to know about foreign lotteries. They are illegal in the United States. That's all there is to it. So there is no need to worry if they are legitimate lotteries or not. They are not for the U.S., and that means all of us.

We can learn to recognize specific frauds and avoid them.

We also need to learn the basic warning signs of fraud and to exercise common sense and judgment:

• Be very skeptical of anything that sounds "too good to be true."

• Don't be pressured into acting right away.

• Be wary of promises of big money or guaranteed profits.

• If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Finally, we recommend that you take the offensive by taking action:

• Check out the firm making the offer. Often the company has no track record of complaints, but the scam may be very familiar to watchdog consumer protection agencies.

• Know who you are doing business with before sending money.

• Protect your personal information - your Social Security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, credit card number, or bank personal identification number over the telephone - unless you initiated the phone call.

• Always take time to consider an offer, get additional information and advice, and resist the "take it or leave it" high pressure tactics.

• Visit the Postal Service or the Inspection Service Web site for advice on how to avoid being victimized by postal-related crimes.

• And don't forget to discuss the matter with your friends and family. Everyone will learn from that process.

• Read up. Reach out. Be an informed consumer.

Remarks to Close the Event (Alternative 1)

Thank you (last speaker).

As you have seen and heard today, fraud comes in many forms and every one of us can be a target - young and old, rich or poor. But we never have to face the problem alone. Our families and our friends are potent allies who can bring considerable experience and perspective to the fight against fraud.

And as we have made clear today, there are top-notch people in the Postal Inspection Service and in state local and federal agencies who are out there fighting fraud and bringing these criminals to justice.

The first and best line of defense is you, the educated consumer. Learn to recognize fraud. Understand the resources that are out there to help you. And watch out for family members, especially those who might be vulnerable for one reason or another. Together, we can stop fraud cold.

And that's what Consumer Protection Week is all about.

Thanks for coming. Please remember to pick up the resource materials before leaving today.

Remarks to Close the Event (Alternative 2)

Thank you (last speaker).

Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our program. I want to thank each of our speakers for joining us today and for sharing valuable information and insights on how each of us can protect against and fight fraud.

I invite you to stay a while and talk informally with our guest speakers. In addition, don't forget to check out the literature we have. And remember that more information is available online at www.usps.com/postalinspectors.

Thank you.

Postal Brochure Ordering Information

Postal Service publications make perfect handouts for customers during NCPW. They also are good resources for Postmasters and managers when preparing for the week's events.

You also can order these publications from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-273-1509.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order.)

Use the following information to order these publications:

Proclamation: National Consumer Protection Week 2007

Whereas National Consumer Protection Week was established in 1998 by representatives of federal, state, and local governments as well as national advocacy groups as a means to highlight consumer protection,

Whereas the postmaster general established the office of the Consumer Advocate in 1971 to ensure that the interests of consumers would serve to guide the development, progress, and actions of the United States Postal Service,

Whereas Postal Inspectors have safeguarded the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and protected Postal Service customers for 178 years, combating crimes such as robberies, mail theft, and fraud,

Whereas consumer fraud is detrimental to the economic interests of the nation and the well being of its citizens,

Whereas fraud is destructive not only to individuals but to families, threatening their livelihoods, endangering their retirements, and attacking their household security,

Whereas fraud of all kinds frequently depends for its success upon the compliance and participation of its victims,

Whereas by its very nature fraud can be reduced and often eliminated by consumers who are educated and use common sense,

And, whereas the (name of local city, municipality, etc.) is home to more than (X thousand) men, women, and children who depend on an open, honest, safe, and secure marketplace to conduct commerce and earn a living,

Resolved, that (local community or organization)

(1) Supports National Consumer Protection Week

(2) Joins with the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service to educate consumers on how to recognize and avoid work-at-home scams

(3) And, declares (day of event) as Consumer Awareness Day

Kit continued >